Ting is now selling the Nexus 5, but prefers you buy it directly from Google
While the Google Nexus 5 by LG is a great deal when purchased directly through Google (between $349-399), it’s generally quite a bit more expensive when purchased through a carrier or other retailer (typically, at least $100 extra). Even though third party retailers claim that LG charges them more for the Nexus 5 than Google charges consumers, most people still don’t like this response and wish that other retailers would simply match Google’s pricing – even if it means that these retailers will take a loss.
Given this context, Ting has just started selling the Nexus 5 this week – but in a breath of fresh air, the Sprint MVNO is being incredibly honest about its pricing, even going so far as to encourage customers to buy the device from Google and then bring it to Ting.
Starting today, Ting is now selling the Nexus 5. But, please, for the dear sweet love of Google, don’t buy it from us. Instead, just get a $10 Ting SIM card (now in stock!) and go buy your Nexus 5 in red, black, or white from Google Play. You’ll save $95 bucks right off the bat (and likely a lot more by switching to Ting).
Nexus 5 Red for TingHonest to goodness truth: the price we are selling the Nexus 5 at is below our cost, and we still can’t even come close to matching the awesome $349 deal that you can get buying directly from Google with no contract.
Ting does on to say that, even though it only started selling the Nexus 5 this week, this phone has become the most popular device for new activations. That’s actually a really big deal!
I really like Ting’s approach here, and wish that other carriers would adopt a more open mode of communication about these types of issues. As a consumer, I appreciate Ting’s honesty, although I also appreciate the option to purchase the device directly from Ting, if I so choose. Go, Ting!
[Ting]
